CVE-2002-1111 in Mantis
Summary
by MITRE
print_all_bug_page.php in Mantis 0.17.3 and earlier does not verify the limit_reporters option, which allows remote attackers to view bug summaries for bugs that would otherwise be restricted.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1111 affects Mantis version 0.17.3 and earlier, specifically within the print_all_bug_page.php component of the bug tracking system. This flaw represents a critical access control bypass that undermines the security model of the application by failing to properly validate user permissions before displaying sensitive information. The issue stems from the application's inability to verify the limit_reporters option, which is a configuration parameter designed to restrict who can view specific bug reports based on their relationship to the reported issues.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the print_all_bug_page.php script processes requests for displaying bug summaries without properly checking whether the requesting user has appropriate authorization levels to access the specific bug reports. This failure creates a scenario where remote attackers can exploit the system to retrieve information about bugs that should be restricted to certain users or groups. The vulnerability essentially allows unauthorized information disclosure by bypassing the intended access controls that should limit bug visibility based on user roles and reporter relationships.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to gather intelligence about software defects, security issues, and development activities that may not be intended for public consumption. The disclosed information could include sensitive details about system vulnerabilities, development timelines, and project status that could be leveraged for further attacks or competitive advantage. This type of information disclosure can lead to increased risk of targeted attacks against the identified vulnerabilities and can compromise the security posture of organizations relying on the affected bug tracking system.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control scenarios where systems fail to properly enforce access restrictions. This weakness can be categorized under the broader ATT&CK technique of T1046, where adversaries gather information about the target environment through reconnaissance activities. Organizations using affected versions of Mantis should immediately implement mitigations including updating to patched versions, implementing additional access controls, and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts to bug tracking systems. The fix typically involves implementing proper validation of the limit_reporters option within the print_all_bug_page.php script to ensure that all access requests are properly authenticated and authorized before displaying restricted bug information.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and access control enforcement in web applications, particularly in systems that handle sensitive project information and security-related data. The flaw represents a fundamental breakdown in the application's security architecture that could be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to confidential information. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their bug tracking systems and ensure that all access controls are properly enforced to prevent similar vulnerabilities from compromising their security infrastructure.